Top 8 Tips for Reducing Stress and Anxiety Dhanashree Kankanwade February 18, 2020 Health & Beauty 2308 According to the World Health Organization, every 13th person in the world suffers from anxiety, due to exposure to stressful events every day, whether at work, at home, or when hearing something bad has happened. All that affects the way we think, feel, and react to everyday situations. However, not everything is bad, because there are many ways we can reduce our stress and anxiety, including getting enough sleep, hanging out with family and friends, taking certain supplements, and similar. Speaking of supplements, one of the biggest trends in the last couple of years and this year, too (according to experts’ predictions) is vaping CBD oil though a THC vape pen or another vape device or taking as pills or tinctures. Moreover, it was found that it can help reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety and our reaction to stressful events. Of course, there many other ways to distress, so let’s look at the top 8 of them. 1. Spend Time with the People You Love Family and friends are our biggest support. They are always there when we need them, be it in good or bad. They are good listeners and can hear you out. But, they are also the ones that make you happy. So, make sure you spend time with the people who mean to you the most. Talk to them and tell them what bothers you or simply enjoy your time together and laugh. You know how they say, “Laugh is the best medicine”. 2. Practice Yoga It’s well-known that yoga helps you relax and calm down. It’s because it incorporates breathing techniques and body movements which makes your body and mind relax. According to studies, yoga can improve your mood and reduce anxiety by affecting your nervous system and response to stress. It is believed that is may help lower your blood pressure, cortisol levels, and treat rate and increase GABA – a naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a neurotransmitter You would also question, what are the differences between yoga therapy and physical therapy or are they the same? Physical therapy focuses on optimizing the body’s functioning while yoga focuses on therapeutic applications that includes postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. 3. Meditate Meditation is an ancient technique originating from the East. The Buddhist monks are known for using meditation to stay calm, be peaceful, and become one with their soul. Moreover, meditation can help increase your mindfulness, which is a very important factor in reducing stress and anxiety. It may also increase your self-esteem, which helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety. 4. Exercise Apart from yoga and meditation, exercising can also help you reduce stress and anxiety. Most importantly, exercising improves your sleep, increases your confidence, and lowers cortisol levels. Plus, it can help release endorphins – chemicals that make you feel better and reduce pain. So, make sure you make exercising your daily routine, be it jogging, going to the gym, a long walk, or similar. 5. Consider Supplements Sometimes all you need are stress relieving essential oils, lavender or valerian tea, or vitamin to help you deal with stress. Indeed, there are many natural supplements you can use to relieve your stress and anxiety. Some of the supplements you should consider are valerian root or tea, green tea, ashwagandha, and omega-3 fatty acids. You can also consider vaping CBD oil through a dry herb vaporizer or similar vape device, or take it as pills or tinctures. It’s actually one of the biggest trends these couple of years. 6. Drink Less Coffee Coffee contains caffeine, a substance that is known for boosting your focus, concentration, and energy. Although this comes handy when you need to study at night or work long hours, consuming too much caffeine can also increase anxiety. It depends on your organism and caffeine toleration. However, if you notice that drinking often coffee, especially in the evening, makes you feel more nervous and anxious, cut it down. You may drink only 1 coffee, in the morning to help you wake up and another cup after lunch to help you go through the rest of the day. 7. Breathe Deep One of the best-known techniques for coping with stress and anxiety is deep breathing. There are several types of deep breathing techniques, including belly breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal breathing, and paced respiration. Deep breathing is actually one of the techniques incorporated in yoga and meditation. It’s because it helps reduce blood pressure, tension, and heart rate. All of these are symptoms of stress which are a result of releasing stress hormones. Therefore, by deep breathing, you reduce your stress response and the anxiety you feel. 8. Listen to Relaxing Music You have probably come across the so-called relaxation or soothing music online. It’s mostly used in yoga and meditation. But, you can also use it even if you are not doing any of those things. Slow-paced music, especially the instrumental one, has a relaxing effect on your body. It’s because it triggers the relaxation response by reducing heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones. SHARE THIS POST